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Hundley aims to move past Grandal comments

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Hundley throws out Diaz 0:35

5/7/13: Nick Hundley throws out Matt Diaz attempting to steal second base for the second out of the top of the first inning

By Corey Brock
/
MLB.com |

ST. PETERSBURG -- Catcher Nick Hundley said Friday he had reached out to Yasmani Grandal regarding comments Hundley made in a U-T San Diego article that suggested Grandal "had a couple of good months on steroids."

"It was completely out of the realm of conversation ... and it wasn't in the context that we were talking," Hundley said before the Padres began a three-game series against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

"But unfortunately, I said it publicly."

San Diego manager Bud Black talked with Hundley about the comment Thursday.

"He's one of the guys on this team with the most tenure, service time," Black said. "Guys look to him for leadership. And I think Yazzy will as well."

Hundley said he had attempted to contact Grandal but had yet to speak with him as of Friday afternoon.

Grandal is serving a 50-game suspension for testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone. He is working out in Arizona at the Padres' temporary extended spring training facility in Surprise.

Grandal is eligible to come off the restricted list May 28 when the team is in Seattle, though he can begin a Minor League stint May 18.

In the article, an endorsement of Hundley's fast start, he was quoted as saying "you want to talk about a guy who is unproven and had a couple of good months on steroids, go ahead."

"I'm disappointed it was put in that context and that I put him out there," Hundley said. "But it's water under the bridge. I'm going to move on and try and beat the Rays."

San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes said Friday that "I don't anticipate it being a team issue. Nick spoke his mind. It's an issue people feel strongly about."

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.